Rowan Hiker Jumper Knitting Pattern

Rowan Hiker Knitted Sweater by Erika Knight

What is Being Made

The Rowan Hiker is a knitted pullover sweater designed by Erika Knight. This garment is available in six sizes ranging from Small to 2XL, with finished chest measurements from 102 cm (40 inches) up to 127 cm (50 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types. The sweater features a classic pullover construction with a crew neckline and a distinctive front opening detail that adds visual interest to the design.

Construction Technique

The Hiker is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat method. This approach means the knitter begins at the lower edge of the garment and works upward toward the shoulders, with individual pieces (back, front, and sleeves) knitted separately on flat needles before being seamed together. This traditional construction method provides excellent control over fit and shaping throughout the knitting process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The sweater employs fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and visual appeal:

• Ribbing (Rib): Used for the lower edge and cuff sections, ribbing creates an elastic, fitted finish that helps the garment conform to the body. The pattern specifies 14 rows of ribbing at the lower edge.
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): The primary stitch used for the main body of the sweater, creating a smooth, classic fabric with a neat appearance on the right side and bumpy texture on the wrong side.
• Decreases: The pattern incorporates slip-stitch decreases (sl 1, K1, psso) and knit-two-together decreases (K2tog) to shape the armholes and create the fitted silhouette at the shoulders.
• Make One (M1): An increase technique used strategically in the front opening detail to maintain stitch counts while creating the design element.

Materials and Tools

The Rowan Hiker requires specific materials to achieve the intended finished garment:

• Yarn: Rowan Cocoon, photographed in the colorway Clay 825. The pattern calls for 8 to 12 x 100-gram balls depending on the size being knitted, with larger sizes requiring more yardage.
• Needles: One pair of 7mm (US 10½) needles for working the main fabric. These needles are sized to achieve the correct gauge and are suitable for the medium-weight Rowan Cocoon yarn.
• Notions: Three buttons measuring 18 mm (BN1367 from Bedecked) are required for the front opening detail, adding both functional and decorative elements to the finished sweater.

Gauge and Fit

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this pattern. The specified tension is 14 stitches and 16 rows to 10 centimeters measured over stockinette stitch using 7mm needles. Knitters should always swatch and measure their gauge before beginning the project to ensure the finished sweater matches the intended dimensions and fits properly.

Design Details

The Hiker features a front opening with button bands, creating a distinctive design element that sets it apart from a standard pullover. The armhole shaping is achieved through strategic decreases worked over several rows, creating a fitted sleeve cap. The pattern includes detailed shaping instructions for multiple sizes, with specific stitch counts and decrease placements to ensure proper fit across the chest and shoulders.